This week we’re kicking off our Handmade Halloween series we do every year. (Click here to browse costumes from the last five years!) We’re starting off with one of my favorites, A DISCO BALL! As always these can be used for adults too, just make them bigger. Ha!
This costume is easy to make but takes some time, so put on a good movie and get to glueing on those little squares. For an adult costume you would buy a weather balloon for the bigger mould. Time to start the party!
Materials: Newspaper, Flour, Water, Bowl, Small Pebbles, 3′ Balloon, String, Gray Spray Paint, Mirror Paper, Cutting Board, X-Acto Knife, Spray Glue
Step 1: Inflate balloons, fill with a few pebbles, and tie with string.
Step 2: Tear newspaper into long strips, the strips should be small enough that they don’t wrinkle and fold when placed on the balloon.
Step 3: Prepare the paper maché by mixing equal parts water and flour in a bowl. We covered our balloon a bunch of layers.
Step 4: Soak the newspaper pieces in the mixture, the wetter they are the easier they are to stick to the balloon.
Step 5: Lay the pieces on the balloon making sure to cover every part and as close around the balloon knot as possible.
Step 6: Hang on a line of string to dry. (The pebbles should keep the balloon weighted down.
Step 7: Once totally dry (this could take overnight), repeat steps 4-6 for a second layer. It is important to make a many layers because you don’t want it to collapse when you remove the balloon.
Step 8: Once the balloon has completely dried and sturdy, use scissors to cut a hole near the balloon knot to release the air. When the balloon has completely deflated, remove it from your piñata.
Step 9: Use an x-acto knife or box cutter to cut wide holes in the top and bottom so that it fits over your head and legs. Cut out holes for your arms.
Step 10: Spray paint the sphere gray.
Step 11: Using an x-acto knife and cutting board, cut out at least 500 1″ squares of mirror paper.
Step 12: Use spray glue to attach them to the sphere.
Step 13: Attach elastic straps inside the sphere so they criss cross over your shoulders (this will hold the ball up.)
Step 14: Start collecting your candy!
Photos by Paul Ferney for Oh Happy Day
Crafting by Colleen Casper
Art Direction by Amy Moss
Daphne
September 28, 2015
Pretty amazing ! With the right playlist, you could end queen of the night such a glittery costume. Be aware not to dazzle your friends !
All the records are playing and my heart keeps saying “boogie wonderland, wonderland”…
Bella B
September 28, 2015
This is just too adorable! I need to try an adult sized version.
xoxoBella | http://xoxobella.com
Jessica Rose
September 28, 2015
I love the idea of this costume for myself actually, why should kids have all the fun!?!?
http://vodkaandarose.blogspot.co.uk
Charmian
September 28, 2015
This is such a cute costume!!!! 🙂 what a great idea
jamie
September 28, 2015
This costume is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Paige
September 28, 2015
This costume is so fun and pretty!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Michelle
September 28, 2015
That is just adorable! I totally love it!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
Sarah Heat
September 28, 2015
There’s no way that this is comfy! But, it is so adorable.
Kathy
September 28, 2015
Love this! Very cute and creative!
Alexis
September 28, 2015
This is absolutely adorable! I would have never thought of this.
paperrosies.com
Ella Wayfarer
September 29, 2015
Wow, crazy costume! You will always have your own space at a party 😉 I love it!!!
♡ Ella
http://ellawayfarer.com/
Titeperrine
September 29, 2015
Hello !
Great ! I love it…It’s a great idea. I’ll make this costume for my daughter for the school celebration ! Thanks
Mr. Wonderful
September 29, 2015
Wow! Really nice diy!!! So fantastic to do with our little kids, thank you so much for your explanations, it seems really easy to do. Big kiss!
Mr. Wonderful
My - Project amateurism
September 29, 2015
Love this costume, want one for myself:)
Mary
September 29, 2015
Neat idea! Maybe add a flashlight/spotlight to really show this off!
Tracy
September 30, 2015
What an adorable costume – and what an adorable little girl!
Jenny
October 6, 2015
Super cool costume!♡♡♡ I want to make one of these for Halloween but I don’t know where to get the mirror paper. Where’d you get yours?
ally
October 9, 2015
Hey there. Love this costume! I’m going to try this myself (I’m 27 so not child size).
You mentioned you used a 3′ balloon, as in 36″ like below?
http://www.amols.com/party-supplies/3-turquoise-balloon?gclid=Cj0KEQjwy92wBRCl7trx4PaIo8EBEiQASPhtCxJ7-nmuqaGMORArAy1LYrwZzoBYOEFjreZYukqDXlQaAi_M8P8HAQ
I’ve been researching other adult disco ball costumes and they have also used 36″ balloon so I just might try that. Seems big enough right?
http://www.studiodiy.com/2015/09/30/diy-disco-ball-costume/
Where did you get the mirrored paper? I found mirrored fabric (below) – do you think that would be better easier?
http://www.thefabricsfactory.com/product/rhinestone-rolls/831409-60020/dashing-mirror-foil-fabric-bolt-35-x-10yards-silver.html
Was the edges of the paper mache uncomfortable for your daughter? Like did it scratch her? I’m worried about that part.
Any advise or feedback would be appreciated! Thanks 🙂
Hey Ally! Yes, a 36″ balloons should work fine. Just blow it up larger than we did. The paper we used is called “Hygloss Mirror Board” and you can find it on Amazon Prime. You could use fabric, but we liked the way the mirrored paper looked so realistic. And none of the kids complained about the paper scratching them. Hope this helps!
Amy
October 9, 2015
How did you attach the straps on the inside?
With a stapler!